FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply for The Soraya Foundation Scholarship?

• Currently, the scholarship is only available to graduating or recently graduated (within 1 year) Division I student-athletes. Please see our Eligibility tab for full details and requirements.

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Do I need to be enrolled in graduate or an advanced study program when I apply?

• Not necessarily. Applicants can apply to the scholarship without yet being accepted / enrolled into a post-graduate program. But by April 20, 2026, applicants will have to show proof of enrollment to The Soraya Foundation via email at info@thesorayafoundation.org with the subject line "PROOF OF ENROLLMENT: [FULL NAME]". 

 

Can international students apply?

• Yes! The scholarship is available to all students, regardless of citizenship or visa status, including international, domestic, documented, undocumented, and DACA students.

 

What materials do I need to submit?

• Applicants are required to submit the following: most recent earned income documentation, transcript, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. Finalists may participate in a final interview. 

 

How much is the scholarship award?

• Exact amounts may vary, and more information will be available soon.

 

Does the scholarship consider financial need?

• Financial need is one of the factors we consider in awarding the scholarship. While it’s not the only criterion, we aim to ensure the scholarship goes to a student for whom it will make a meaningful impact.

 

What benefits will I receive as a scholarship recipient?​

• Benefits include scholarship funding to help offset postgraduate and professional school expenses, an assigned mentor whose academic and professional background aligns with the recipient’s goals, 12 monthly coaching sessions during the first-year post-athletics through our partnership with Keshia Kirtz, and financial advisement that includes financial literacy education and personalized planning support. For more details on each benefit, visit the Scholarship page.

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Which graduate or advanced study programs is this scholarship eligible for?

• The scholarship is available for a variety of graduate and advanced study programs, including, but not limited to, medical school, law school, PhD programs, and master’s programs. We are also open to other unique graduate programs on a case-by-case basis.

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How do I submit the scholarship application?

• Please go to the Apply Here tab and follow link to submit the application.

 

When is the application deadline?

• The deadline to apply is April 1. Please see the Apply Here tab on our website for important dates.

 

Can I reapply for the scholarship next year?

• Not at this time, this is a one-time, non-renewable award.

 

What is expected of scholarship recipients?

• We ask recipients to provide periodic updates so we can celebrate their successes and stay connected with their journey. These updates help us share their achievements with the broader Soraya Foundation community.

 

Will receiving this scholarship affect my financial aid package?

• We do not expect the scholarship to affect recipients financial aid, but we recommend that they consult their financial aid officer before we transfer the funds to their university or program.

 

How soon will I be notified after applying?

• Applications close on April 1, and we expect to notify recipients of their award in early May.

 

How will I receive the scholarship if rewarded?

• The scholarship funds are paid directly to our recipients university or program, ensuring they are applied securely and promptly to their educational costs.